Tue Oct 07 19:26:02 UTC 2025: **Summary of the text:**

A collective of women affected by the 2024 Wayanad landslides, “Women for Loan Relief,” has petitioned the Kerala High Court’s Chief Justice to waive loans for those impacted by the disaster. Around 700 women lost their life savings and assets. 47 women from three wards, associated with Kudumbashree self-help groups, died in the incident. Kudumbashree members are now facing the burden of repaying loans taken by the victims. While the issue has been raised at various levels, few banks are willing to waive the loans, and banks are now unwilling to give fresh loans. The collective expressed appreciation for the High Court seeking the Central government’s stance on the loan waiver.

**News Article:**

**Wayanad Landslide Victims Plead for Loan Waivers in High Court Petition**

**KOCHI, October 8, 2025** – A group of women survivors from the devastating 2024 Wayanad landslides have taken their fight for financial relief to the Kerala High Court. “Women for Loan Relief,” a collective representing those affected by the disaster, has filed a petition urging the Chief Justice to intervene and secure the waiver of outstanding loans held by landslide victims.

The landslides, which ravaged Wayanad last year, claimed the lives of 47 women associated with Kudumbashree self-help groups and left approximately 700 women destitute, forcing them to seek refuge in rented accommodations or with relatives. The disaster wiped out their life savings and assets.

The petitioners emphasize the impossible situation where remaining members of Kudumbashree are now burdened with repaying loans originally taken by those who perished. Despite attempts to address the issue with various financial institutions, only a handful of banks have agreed to waive the debts. Furthermore, local banks are now hesitant to provide new loans to the affected community.

“We have lost everything,” said a spokesperson for Women for Loan Relief. “We are grateful that the High Court is seeking input from the Central government on this matter, which represents a last hope for many women here.” The petition seeks a comprehensive solution to alleviate the financial hardship faced by the landslide survivors and allow them to rebuild their lives.

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